In a city as diverse as Cleveland, one can’t help but encounter various cultures from all around the world. You may have grown up having neighbors who immigrated from Germany, China, India, Serbia—or perhaps your neighbors, friends, and coworkers came to Cleveland from somewhere else in the world. You can’t live in this charming city and avoid hearing various languages throughout your life, and you certainly can’t avoid the delectable cuisine from these unique cultures. Such diversity is well worth celebrating, particularly when dinner time rolls around.
- Phnom Penh (1929 W 25th St., Cleveland)
shirley b/TripAdvisor
tollivertolliver/TripAdvisor Phnom Penh is a place locals would describe as a hidden gem. This charming Cambodian restaurant is family owned and operated, and the food is perfectly seasoned and absolutely delicious. It is named for the capital of Cambodia, which was formerly known as Krong Chaktomuk Serimongkul. Try saying that 10 times fast… I can’t even say it one time fast!
- Hofbräuhaus Cleveland (1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland)
NormT956/TripAdvisor
TheCoupleFromOhio/TrioAdvisor Hofbräuhaus is a charming restaurant that traces its way back to Medieval Europe. It was around 1589 that the Duke of Bavaria ordered the construction of a brewery. The beers produced were eventually sold at public bars. As time progressed, the brewery evolved into a restaurant franchise that exists all across the world. With so many German immigrants right here in Cleveland, it is no wonder that locals love this incredible destination.
- Batuqui (12706 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland)
Batuqui Cleveland/Facebook
Batuqui Cleveland/Facebook Victorian homes add to the charm of Cleveland, but in recent years they have been creating an incredible ambiance for modern restaurants. Batuqui is a Brazilian eatery in a cozy former home in Cleveland. Here, traditional flavors from Brazil entertain your palate with a warm embrace. You’ll find favorites from Brazilian states like Minas Gerais and Bahia, and you’ll be amazed at how flawlessly these cherished flavors fit into Cleveland’s cuisine scene.
- Osteria Di Valerio & Al (408 W St Clair Ave., Cleveland)
Osteria Di Valerio & Al/Facebook
Debbie H/TripAdvisor At times, it can be difficult to tell if this eatery is a local haunt in New York or Northern Italy. Either way, this little restaurant seems somewhat out of place in The Land. Featuring authentic Italian cuisine and seafood that’s almost too good to be true, this upscale eatery offers an experience your taste buds will never forget.
- Sokolowski’s University Inn (1201 University Rd., Cleveland)
Matt K/TripAdvisor
Turner S/TripAdvisor Many of Cleveland’s familiar neighborhoods were built by immigrants, and those communities still bear the marks of their makers. Sokolowski’s is a cafeteria-style diner that has delighted Clevelanders for generations, entertaining the working class alongside celebrities and politicians. It thrives in the Tremont area, but it has stayed largely the same as the neighborhood has evolved over the years. In just one bite, you’ll understand why this restaurant is a local favorite.
- Yeleseyevsky Deli (5870 Mayfield Rd., Mayfield Heights)
ElaineAndGreg/TripAdvisor
Yeleseyevsky Deli/Facebook When one is adventuring along Mayfield Road, they naturally expect a bit of diversity in terms of storefronts and restaurants. While most would expect to find Italian classics along this stretch, Yeleseyevsky Deli brings multiple nationalities together in one cozy storefront. Russian goodies and Eastern European favorites line the shelves of this petite store, and all sorts of fresh and delicious foods are offered in the deli.
- El Arepazo Y Pupuseria (22799 Lorain Rd., Cleveland)
El Arepazo Y Pupuseria (Colombian & Salvadoran Food/Facebook
Michael C/TripAdvisor There’s something about colorful meals that makes them taste so much better. At El Arepazo Y Pupuseria, you will discover the splendid flavors and colors of Salvadoran and Colombian cuisine. The menu is diverse and vastly different than the familiar Mexican cuisine many have come to associate with Latino culture. This hidden gem is truly a treat for the taste buds.
- Choolaah Indian BBQ (27100 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere)
singhalanju/TripAdvisor
peachyell/TripAdvisor Food just inexplicably tastes better when it comes out of a clay oven. This charming old-world method combined with shiny, modern, industrial features makes Choolaah feel like a perfect fit for Greater Cleveland. This casual and delicious fast food has since become a hit on the East Coast, but many Clevelanders have yet to try this delectable cuisine. While their menu is overflowing with familiar and adventurous Indian eats, everything is customizable, allowing for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
These restaurants can trace their founders’ lineage to different regions in the world, but each serves up dishes that are simply to die for. There’s nothing wrong with a diverse diet, especially when it reflects the varied nature of your favorite city! What restaurants would you add to our list?
shirley b/TripAdvisor
tollivertolliver/TripAdvisor
Phnom Penh is a place locals would describe as a hidden gem. This charming Cambodian restaurant is family owned and operated, and the food is perfectly seasoned and absolutely delicious. It is named for the capital of Cambodia, which was formerly known as Krong Chaktomuk Serimongkul. Try saying that 10 times fast… I can’t even say it one time fast!
NormT956/TripAdvisor
TheCoupleFromOhio/TrioAdvisor
Hofbräuhaus is a charming restaurant that traces its way back to Medieval Europe. It was around 1589 that the Duke of Bavaria ordered the construction of a brewery. The beers produced were eventually sold at public bars. As time progressed, the brewery evolved into a restaurant franchise that exists all across the world. With so many German immigrants right here in Cleveland, it is no wonder that locals love this incredible destination.
Batuqui Cleveland/Facebook
Victorian homes add to the charm of Cleveland, but in recent years they have been creating an incredible ambiance for modern restaurants. Batuqui is a Brazilian eatery in a cozy former home in Cleveland. Here, traditional flavors from Brazil entertain your palate with a warm embrace. You’ll find favorites from Brazilian states like Minas Gerais and Bahia, and you’ll be amazed at how flawlessly these cherished flavors fit into Cleveland’s cuisine scene.
Osteria Di Valerio & Al/Facebook
Debbie H/TripAdvisor
At times, it can be difficult to tell if this eatery is a local haunt in New York or Northern Italy. Either way, this little restaurant seems somewhat out of place in The Land. Featuring authentic Italian cuisine and seafood that’s almost too good to be true, this upscale eatery offers an experience your taste buds will never forget.
Matt K/TripAdvisor
Turner S/TripAdvisor
Many of Cleveland’s familiar neighborhoods were built by immigrants, and those communities still bear the marks of their makers. Sokolowski’s is a cafeteria-style diner that has delighted Clevelanders for generations, entertaining the working class alongside celebrities and politicians. It thrives in the Tremont area, but it has stayed largely the same as the neighborhood has evolved over the years. In just one bite, you’ll understand why this restaurant is a local favorite.
ElaineAndGreg/TripAdvisor
Yeleseyevsky Deli/Facebook
When one is adventuring along Mayfield Road, they naturally expect a bit of diversity in terms of storefronts and restaurants. While most would expect to find Italian classics along this stretch, Yeleseyevsky Deli brings multiple nationalities together in one cozy storefront. Russian goodies and Eastern European favorites line the shelves of this petite store, and all sorts of fresh and delicious foods are offered in the deli.
El Arepazo Y Pupuseria (Colombian & Salvadoran Food/Facebook
Michael C/TripAdvisor
There’s something about colorful meals that makes them taste so much better. At El Arepazo Y Pupuseria, you will discover the splendid flavors and colors of Salvadoran and Colombian cuisine. The menu is diverse and vastly different than the familiar Mexican cuisine many have come to associate with Latino culture. This hidden gem is truly a treat for the taste buds.
singhalanju/TripAdvisor
peachyell/TripAdvisor
Food just inexplicably tastes better when it comes out of a clay oven. This charming old-world method combined with shiny, modern, industrial features makes Choolaah feel like a perfect fit for Greater Cleveland. This casual and delicious fast food has since become a hit on the East Coast, but many Clevelanders have yet to try this delectable cuisine. While their menu is overflowing with familiar and adventurous Indian eats, everything is customizable, allowing for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
If you love celebrating the cultures that built Cleveland, you must explore the lovely Cleveland cultural gardens.
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